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Greetings from United Way! September is here and we are pounding the pavement! Please join us at our event on October 1st at the Cisler Center starting at 8am to pick up your United Way packet and learn what we are gearing up for and how your agency/business can get involved. We will have a kick off at 8am! From 9-10am we will run Open House style. We will be doing a drawing for a movie basket to all those that attend.
Save the date for some upcoming events!
- U.P. Non-Profit Conference Oct 9th NMU.
- Community Pig Roast at the Sault Blue Devils Football Game vs. Escanaba on Oct 17th
- Chili Cook-off November 10th
Together we can be the difference.
Tracey Laitinen
Executive Director
United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula
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Americorps Progress Update
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It seems like every time I turn around we're heading in to a new season, this year has gone by so very fast. Since it is almost year end, and many have inquired, I would like to take a minute to address a question I have heard several times over in the past month. "Are you staying on at United Way?"
As many of you might have heard, my AmeriCorps service year will soon be drawing to a close with United Way of the EUP. While I do have the option to serve a third year, I'm not convinced that it would be in my best interest at this time. Several of you have had questions for me as we've met at various events and presentations and I just wanted to make sure I took the time to explain that nothing has been decided yet, there is no final answer. This is a decision that I and my family have to make together because it will, in some ways, affect us all. With that said, I have also started looking at different options within the community, some that would allow for me to serve again as an AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Coach. I'm very excited about the new AFEC program, there will be more focus on the A.L.I.C.E.'s of our community, a group that often struggles because they seem to fall between the cracks in service. (If you've not heard the term A.L.I.C.E. yet, I imagine you will soon. It relates to the everyday folks - our hairdressers, mechanics, grocery store clerks, and more.)
My current service year at United Way EUP doesn't end until January 15, 2015. Until then, I will continue to take referrals for financial assistance; I'll still work on coordination of workshops and presentations; and I'll continue to talk to anyone who'll listen about the importance of learning money skills! Now that the school year has started, I'm also excited about getting back into Malcolm High and Kinross Alternative school to speak with students about the importance of trying to live as financially responsible as they can now and assisting them with resources they might need, especially if they're trying to make it on their own. I have also had the opportunity to speak to various parent groups in the community and look forward to more of those presentations in the upcoming months.
If you'd like to have me present to your parent group, clients or staff, please feel free to contact me: americorps@unitedwayeup.org or 906-632-3700 ext. 4.
MI Bridges news:
I will be holding a fall MI Bridges Navigator training on October 7, 2014 in the conference room of the United Way EUP, 9 a.m. - Noon. Space is very limited! If you would like to register, you can do so by following this link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register
For more information give me a call 906-632-3700 ext.4 or email americorps@unitedwayeup.org!
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One hundred twenty two runners braved the rain to test their physical ability at the 2K Mosquito Dash. This dash down a country round was split by 13 challenging obstacles including mud holes filled to the brim, cars and bales of hay, and a 25 foot slip-n-slide to wash runners clean!
Younger runners were able to give their best during the toddler obstacle course as well. The toddler obstacle course included tunnels, wall climbing, a slide, and jumping hoops. Runners were pumped up by music provided by 95.1 the Eagle. After completing the dash, volunteers and runners enjoyed a filling lunch at King's Fish Market with all proceeds, almost $3,000, being donated to the EUP Great Start Collaborative and United Way of the EUP.
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Runners take on the first mud pit of the course
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The following runners placed within their age group:
Adult 13 and above:
1st Place - Adam Alexander of Wisconsin
2nd Place - Eileen Law of St.Ignace
3rd Place - Garth Law of St.Ignace
4th Place - Ryan Williams of Rapid City
Children 12 and younger:
1st Place - Emmalee Hart of Allenville
2nd Place - Jayde Fraser of St.Ignace
3rd Place - Trey Forgrave of Sault Ste. Marie
4th Place - Adam Williams of Rapid City
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Racers scale one of the obstacles before heading to the giant slip and slide
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Thanks go out to all the sponsors, volunteers, and of course runners, who helped make the inaugural Mosquito Dash a huge success. Join us next September for the 2nd running!
Check out more pictures from the Mosquito Dash
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July Spotlight Recognition
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Individual - Neal Sellick is an avid donor of his time and many talents to EUP non-profits. Neal began volunteering with the EUP CDRC as a volunteer mediator, traveling 120 miles a day to attend the 48 hours of required training in St. Ignace in 2012. After volunteering in that capacity for a while Neal was not sure he was interested in continuing as a Mediator, but by that time Neal was assisting the small non-profit in so many other ways. Neal is the EUP CDRC's number one tech person, bringing the agency's computers, equipment, and staff into the modern era, and serves as a Board Member as well. In addition Neal Sellick has served as the primary coordinator for the annual Arts, Crafts, and Family Fun Fair held on Engineers' Day in Sault Ste. Marie. Neal volunteers over 20 hours per week for the EUP Community Dispute Resolution Center and still finds time to help other agencies as well!
Community Partner - Shhh they haven't been surprise yet!
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CFC is off and running...
Click here to find out more about the Combined Federal Campaign-a tool that government employees use-to give back!
Sept 1-Dec 15
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The State of Michigan Charitable Campaign is cruising to FIRST place. This is the method of charitable giving that State employees give through.
Find out more information here!
Giving runs mid-Sept to mid-October.
What is SECC? Online giving methods?
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For ten years, nonprofit leaders, staff, board members and volunteers have been taking skills, connections and knowledge back to their communities. This year's Conference will celebrate the positive impact the nonprofit sector has had on the Upper Peninsula.
The UP Nonprofit Conference will be held on the campus of Northern Michigan University, October 9th. This year's conference features a variety of workshops geared towards Nonprofit staff, leadership, volunteers, and board members. Lunch will feature an Awards ceremony, where winners of UP Service Awards will be announced.
This year's keynote speaker is Erika Oliver.
Self-described as a "recovering pessimist", Erika Oliver challenges and inspires teams and individuals to achieve their goals and create relationships that result in profit and prosperity. She has a passion for people and organizations with a social mission.
Erika Oliver is an Organizational Development Consultant and the author of several publications including "Three Good Things: Happiness Every Day, No Matter What!".
For registration and more information please click here!
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| 9/11 National Day of Service | The United Way of the EUP partnered with Hearthside Assisted Living and the Malcolm Student's Offering Service on September 11th as part of the 9/11 Day of Service. Students held a ceremony at Hearthside Assisted Living to honor residents who served in the US Military as well as local emergency response and public service agencies.
Students from Malcolm High School narrated the ceremony and the Vietnam Veterans of America provided a 21 gun salute and taps. All attending agencies and Veterans were presented certificates of appreciation. VFW Post 3673 Senior Vice Commander David Pearce read the poem "Old Glory".
After the ceremony attendees and Hearthside residents enjoyed refreshments and joined in conversation. Thank you to Hearthside Assisted Living for hosting this event, Malcolm Students Offering Service for participating, The Vietnam Veterans of America for providing taps, and all the area emergency response, law enforcement agencies, and veteran organizations that attended. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Project Connect-At Risk Event
Mark your calendars for upcoming Project Connects in the Eastern U.P.
Chippewa County -, October 23rd, Avery Square in Sault Ste. Marie. Agency Form
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Nugget of History
The very first campaign kicked off October 1, 1956 with a goal of $48,125 and an operating budget of $3,000. Hundreds of volunteers from various service clubs and organizations led the effort. Their slogan was "A Day's Pay is the Chippewa Way".
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Salvation Army's Hours and Services
Food Pantry Hours
10am-NOON * 12:30-2:230pm Monday thru Thursday for social services including the food pantry. Clients fill out application and present a picture ID and SS#'s for household members.
Breakfast M-F 8:30-9:30am
Lunch M-F 12-12:30pm
Dining Hall open until 1pm
Bread Rack
Distribution of perishable food items begins at 9:30am
Clothing and Furniture Vouchers
Based on emergency or need. Clients complete application with caseworker.
Utility Assistance
As funding is available. Clients must call to set an appointment with the caseworker.
Personal Care Products
Clients can fill out application to receive products every 3 months.
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For the month of August 2014, CHAC screened 69 clients and completed 32 enrollments, bringing our current total to 69 enrolled clients in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties for the Volunteer Program. CHAC completed 142 referrals to other community programs. Thank you to everyone who has made these numbers possible.
CHAC has certified Navigators answering questions and enrolling individuals into insurance plans. Through August 2014, CHAC has organized 28 outreach/education events and has reached 5901 consumers with information regarding the Affordable Care Act including premium tax credit information for insurance through the Marketplace as well as information regarding Healthy Michigan (expanded Medicaid).
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Upcoming Farmer's Markets & Food Related Activities
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Engadine
When: Saturdays, 9:00am until Noon.
Where: In the Township Pavillion located in Mill Pond Park.
Newberry
When: Thurdsdays, 3:00 - 6:00pm
Where: Newberry, Avenne
Pickford
When: Thursdays 4:00 until 6:00 PM
Where: Township Parking Lot behind Historical Museum under shade tree. Flea Market will be in the Northwest corner of the Township parking lot behind the Township Hall
Les Cheneaux
When: Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: 2900 West M-134, east of the M-134/Three-Mile Road blinker
Sault Ste. Marie
When: Wednesday 4:00 until 6:30 PM
Where: Crossroads of Sault Ste. Marie: Portage and Ashmun Streets. (Under the Twin Peaks, behind the Eagle's Nest).
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Project Connect
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Project Connect is an event held for families and individuals who are at risk for homelessness or facing other social problems. The goal is to bring together all the Human Service agencies in an area to one location where community members can have access to them, learn about their programs, and find out how they can get help all in one stop!
Luce County's Project Connect event was held on August 21st at the American Legion in Newberry. Twenty-sever service providing agencies participated in the event giving out information and referrals to the 179 guests who attended. Attendees reported concerns on issues ranging form homelessness, assistance with medical needs and bills, and unemployment. Check out the Project Connect Event Report for a full picture of what went on the Luce County's event!
Chippewa county's Continuum of Care will hold their Project Connect event at Avery Square on October 23rd. For more information on this upcoming event contact Angelea Ellis |
 Did you know you can GIVE to United Way when you shop at Amazon and it won't cost YOU a Penny??? | |
What is AmazonSmile?
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